ArtWeek was highlighted in the Boston Globe Magazine’s 2014 “Best of the New” Issue just a few months after launching in Fall 2013.

Updates
The New Year has generated fresh ArtWeek energy and ideas, especially after we announced the availability of the new streamlined RFP for Spring ArtWeek (April 25-May 4, 2014) and are launching a LinkedIn group to continue fostering unique partnerships. At a recent convening of our media supporters and partners, discussions centered on creatively expanding coverage, events, and partnerships by combining forces and maximizing assets. New conversations sparked potential research interest at Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business and MIT’s Urban Planning Departments. ArtWeek informational meetings revealed innovative event concepts emerging from arts and cultural groups as well as business and civic groups like Boston’s Main Streets Program. But we also had to pause: Fall feedback revealed a common partnership challenge among event hosts, so we planned a pilot “ArtWeek Partner Meet-up” social event but had a disappointing response. On the other hand, email and phone chats and meetings have proven very successful in our “matchmaking” efforts, reinforcing the impact of guerilla networking and a high touch strategy in expanding ArtWeek events.

Recent Wins
-- ArtWeek was highlighted in January 2014 in the Boston Globe Magazine “Best of the New” issue. This was a real honor considering that ArtWeek only became a reality a few short months ago thanks to ArtPlace’s initial investment and Highland Street Foundation’s support. It is also a meaningful testament about ArtWeek’s powerful potential.

-- We are excited to announce that the “Improper Bostonian,” greater Boston’s original bimonthly guide to entertainment and culture, has come on board as ArtWeek’s print magazine sponsor. The magazine has a long history as an art, cultural, and entertainment champion in the City and has recently added even more arts-focused issues. Their team is a creative, energetic, and innovative addition to the ArtWeek family.

-- In addition, “CO Everywhere,” an up and coming platform that connects users to all of the social happenings in any desired area, has become a social media partner. A high growth organization in Boston’s innovation district, their free application is a geo-based consolidator of social media and one that all ArtPlace grantees will find interesting.

Insight/Provocation
While technology, social media, and other high tech platforms are essential to successfully launching and growing an idea in today’s world, it is important not to overlook the value of face-to-face meetings, personal conversations, and the impact of a simple handshake. Conference calls, Twitter, Facebook, web, and email – it is hard to imagine growing ArtWeek without them. But we are regularly reminded as new partners and event hosts are added daily, the power of individual outreach and conversations is the real key to building the lasting relationships, trust, and engagement that will sustain ArtWeek in the long term. Is it time consuming? Yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely. But as one well-known author said “ . . . Success is way more time-consuming than failure ever was.”

Want to follow ArtWeek’s progress as things heat up for Spring (April 25 - May 4, 2014)? Connect with us at:

www.artweekboston.org
www.facebook.com/artweekboston
www.twitter.com/artweekboston